1. Understanding Scar Hair Transplantation
Scar hair transplant is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring hair in areas affected by scars. Scar tissue typically lacks hair follicles due to damage. Unlike a regular hair transplant, where hair is inserted into existing follicles, in scar hair transplants, surgeons graft hairs still within their follicles into the scar. This allows the hair to take root and grow once it makes contact with blood vessels. Hair on scars may require special attention as the vascularity of scar tissue can be unpredictable, affecting graft survival. A study from 2013 of 25 cases of hair transplants on scars found that a majority of patients had 75 percent or more hair growth at the six - month follow - up appointment.
Types of Scar - Related Hair Loss
- Traumatic Scars: Caused by injuries such as cuts, burns, or accidents. These scars can disrupt the normal hair - growing structures in the scalp.
- Surgical Scars: Result from surgeries like head or neck operations. For example, facelift surgeries may sometimes cause hair loss in the side hairline areas.
- Scarring Alopecia: A group of inflammatory hair loss disorders that lead to permanent destruction of hair follicles. It can be further classified into primary (e.g., frontal fibrosing alopecia, lichen planopilaris) and secondary (e.g., due to infections, immunological disorders) types.
2. Mount Sinai - New York
Hair Transplant Basics at Mount Sinai
At Mount Sinai, a hair transplant is a well - known surgical procedure for improving baldness, including cases related to scarring. During a hair transplant, hairs are moved from an area of thick growth (donor area) to bald or scarred areas (recipient area). Most procedures are done in a doctor's office. Patients receive local anesthesia to numb the scalp and may also get medicine to relax. The scalp is thoroughly cleaned before the operation.
Procedure Details
- A strip of hairy scalp is removed using a scalpel from the donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp), and the area is closed with tiny stitches.
- Small groups of hairs or individual hairs are carefully separated from the removed scalp, often under magnification or a microscope.
- The bald or scarred areas (recipient areas) are cleaned, and tiny cuts are made.
- Healthy hairs are placed in the cuts. In a single session, hundreds or even thousands of hairs may be transplanted.
Benefits for Scar Hair Transplants
Mount Sinai's experienced medical team can use the above - mentioned techniques to address scar hair loss. They can carefully select and transplant hairs into the scarred areas, taking into account the unique characteristics of scar tissue. The hospital also has access to advanced tools and technologies for hair transplants, which can increase the success rate of the procedure. However, patients should be aware that like any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, and unnatural - looking tufts of new hair growth.
3. City Facial Plastics in New York
Specialist Dr. Gary Linkov
Dr. Gary Linkov at City Facial Plastics is a dual Ivy League - trained, double - board - certified plastic surgeon and hair transplant specialist. He offers a range of hair restoration procedures for men and women experiencing hair loss, including scar hair transplants. He is well - known in the community and has been featured on Dr. Oz’s show and is among the top 3 aesthetic facial and hair surgery specialists in the USA according to USA Today.
Techniques Used
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
This is a modern approach used by Dr. Linkov. It involves removing individual follicular units (families of 1 - 4 hairs). Various instruments are used, and on average, a punch size of 0.8 mm - 1 mm is used to punch out each follicular unit. The tiny holes created seal up and leave behind small circular scars that are barely perceptible even if the scalp is shaved. The main advantage of FUE for scar hair transplants is that it can be applied to the sides of the head and other body sites in some individuals, which is useful when the donor area in the scalp is limited due to scarring. However, it is time - and labor - intensive.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT involves removing a strip of hair, typically from the back of the head. The strip is processed under a microscope, and the hairs are divided into follicular units. The advantage of FUT for scar hair transplants is that it can generally deliver a more significant number of donor hairs from the head's back. But it leaves a linear scar, which may be a concern depending on the patient's hairstyle.
Case Examples
There have been many successful cases at City Facial Plastics. For instance, a patient who had a 2200 - graft FUE hair transplant to the frontal and mid - scalp about 10 months ago had great results. People noticed how natural the hair looked, and even the hair stylist commented on its natural appearance. These success stories give confidence to patients considering scar hair transplants at this clinic.
4. Hairdoctornyc (Dr. Roy B. Stoller)
Expertise and Experience
Dr. Roy B. Stoller is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon. He and his team have performed over 6,000 hair transplants in New York City. Dr. Stoller personally meets with each patient to review their hair loss history and offers the best hair transplant options to treat hair loss, including scar - related cases.
Advanced Technology
Dr. Stoller's clinic features the Artas robotic FUE hair transplant system®. This minimally invasive procedure requires no sutures. The Artas system can assist in selecting the strongest and healthiest hair follicles for transplant, which is beneficial for scar hair transplants as healthy follicles are more likely to survive in the scar tissue. It also facilitates fuller, healthier, and natural - looking hair. Additionally, since it does not require the surgical removal of a continuous strip of scalp, it results in no linear scar.
Benefits for Scar Hair Transplant Patients
For patients with scar hair loss, the Artas system can provide a more precise and efficient way of harvesting and transplanting hairs. The clinic's experience in performing a large number of hair transplants also means that they are well - versed in dealing with the challenges associated with scar tissue, such as varying vascularity and potential low graft survival rates.
5. Eskmd (Dr. Edward Kwak)
Doctor's Qualifications
Dr. Edward Kwak at Eskmd is double - board - certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. He has spent the majority of his career enhancing and improving the head, neck, and face areas. He is known for his skillful and discerning eye and aesthetic artistry, which is crucial when performing scar hair transplants to ensure a natural - looking result.
Hair Restoration Techniques
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
During FUE at Eskmd, hair follicles from a donor area such as the back of the scalp are grafted onto the hairline or scarred area via a specialty - engineered device. The transplanted follicles are grafted gradually from front to back, mimicking the organic hair growth process. The patient is provided with local anesthetic, so little - to - no pain is experienced. This method is suitable for scar hair transplants as it is less invasive and can leave minimal scarring.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Also called the “strip” method, this procedure involves removing strips of follicles from the donor site, creating grafts of 1 - 4 hairs, and then placing them across the hairline or scarred area via micro - incisions. The transplanted follicles then enter the telogen (resting) phase but can soon resume their normal anagen (growth) phase. The choice between FUE and FUT for scar hair transplants will depend on factors such as the size and location of the scar, as well as the patient's donor - hair availability.
Patient - Centered Care
During the initial consultation, Dr. Kwak examines the patient's scalp, asks about previous hair - loss strategies or medications, and listens to the patient's goals for the procedure. He then presents a fully detailed treatment plan, which gives patients a clear understanding of what to expect during and after the scar hair transplant surgery.
6. Dr. Halaas (Westchester and NYC Area)
Surgeon's Credentials
Dr. Yael Halaas is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon. She has over 17 years of experience using all hair restoration techniques and has conducted extensive studies and published articles on the use of MSC - based exosomes and hair rejuvenation. Her dedication to science and research ensures safety and the use of cutting - edge techniques for her patients, which is important for scar hair transplants.
Hair Restoration Methods
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)
FUT at Dr. Halaas' clinic involves removing a strip of hair from the back of the scalp. It has a high follicle survival rate and can provide superior quality and results. The procedure lasts 4 - 12 hours. For scar hair transplants, the high follicle survival rate is a significant advantage as it can increase the chances of successful hair growth in the scarred area.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is the least invasive hair transplantation method. It leaves no linear scar on the back of the head. Most patients can return to their normal daily routine within 3 - 5 days. In the context of scar hair transplants, the non - invasive nature and quick recovery time can be beneficial for patients, especially those with busy schedules.
Neograft
The Neograft is a highly advanced automated method. Hair follicles are taken from the back of the head, back, or the chest. The procedure lasts 3 - 8 hours, and patients usually can return to work the next day. Early results can be seen in about three months, with noticeable improvement in six months and healthy hair growth in 12 - 14 months. This method offers a convenient option for scar hair transplant patients.
7. Comparing the Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialist | Techniques Available | Unique Features | Success Stories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai - New York | Medical Team | Traditional hair transplant methods | Well - established hospital with a long - standing reputation | General hair transplant success, may have limited publicly - available scar - specific cases |
| City Facial Plastics | Dr. Gary Linkov | FUE, FUT | Specialist with high - profile media features; experienced in dealing with different hair - loss scenarios | Many patient testimonials with natural - looking results |
| Hairdoctornyc | Dr. Roy B. Stoller | Artas robotic FUE, traditional methods | Use of advanced robotic technology; large number of hair transplant cases | Proven track record with over 6,000 hair transplants |
| Eskmd | Dr. Edward Kwak | FUE, FUT | Double - board - certified doctor with a focus on patient - centered care | Patient satisfaction with natural - looking results and detailed treatment plans |
| Dr. Halaas | Dr. Yael Halaas | FUT, FUE, Neograft | Extensive research in hair rejuvenation; multiple hair - restoration methods | Positive patient feedback on treatment and results |
8. Considerations for Choosing a Hospital
Surgeon's Experience
Look for a surgeon who has experience in performing scar hair transplants. A surgeon with a high number of successful cases is more likely to handle the unique challenges of scar tissue, such as ensuring proper vascularization for graft survival.
Technology and Techniques
Advanced technologies like the Artas robotic system or the latest FUE and FUT techniques can improve the success rate and quality of the transplant. Hospitals that invest in the latest equipment are often more likely to provide better results.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the hospital's reputation, the quality of care, and the final results. Look for reviews specifically related to scar hair transplants to understand how well the hospital has dealt with similar cases.
Cost
The cost of scar hair transplants can vary widely. It's important to get a detailed quote from the hospital, including all the associated costs such as pre - and post - operative care, medications, etc. However, don't base your decision solely on cost, as the quality of the procedure is crucial.
After - Care Services
Proper after - care is essential for the success of a scar hair transplant. A hospital that provides detailed after - care instructions and support can increase the chances of a successful outcome and a smooth recovery.
9. Conclusion
Scar hair transplantation is a viable option for individuals looking to restore hair in scarred areas. In New York City, there are several highly recommended hospitals, each with its own unique features and expertise. Mount Sinai offers a traditional and well - established approach, City Facial Plastics has a well - known specialist, Hairdoctornyc provides advanced robotic technology, Eskmd focuses on patient - centered care, and Dr. Halaas offers multiple hair - restoration methods with a research - driven approach. When choosing a hospital for a scar hair transplant, patients should carefully consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, available techniques, patient reviews, cost, and after - care services.
If you're considering a scar hair transplant, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for consultations. Ask questions, learn about their procedures, and get a feel for the environment. Share this article with others who may be interested in scar hair transplants in New York City. Explore more about hair restoration on our website to stay informed about the latest techniques and developments in the field.
